People Profile: Planning Ahead with Amber Mitchell and Terra Zufelt

Jenna Nelson

Colorado Meetings + Events

Issue:

Spring 2012

Most people can pinpoint the moment when what they want to do for the rest of their life is discovered. Amber Mitchell found direction where most would have found confusion—in the midst of heartbreak at her mother’s funeral. She took it upon herself to plan the entire funeral and realized the sense of comfort that the planning brought her. Thereafter, she enrolled at Metropolitan State College of Denver in the Hospitality, Tourism and Events (HTE) Department.

Mitchell was encouraged to join the Professional Convention Management Association, taking grasp of each available opportunity and earning the position of 2011- 2012 student chapter president. Experiences, both personal and professional, have taught Mitchell to build and maintain relationships in the event industry and provided a glimpse of the vast range of events. “The best thing about the events industry is that it is widely broad. I have learned that if you can think of it, there is surely a need for an event planner!” says Mitchell.

Terra Zufelt embarked on her career path in property management, where she was responsible for much of the planning of resident functions. After being involved in the industry for 10 years, Zufelt enrolled in the HTE Department at Metro State. She was inspired to take part in Meeting Professionals International and was later appointed student chapter president.

Zufelt balances a trifecta of responsibilities, including her involvement with organizations such as MPI and PCMA as well as her education and motherhood. However, the effort has tapped her talents in a way that feels very positive. She explains, “I knew this is what I wanted to do since it really allowed me to be creative and see my accomplishments in a way that affected others.”

Bookmark/Search this post with